[Hannah]

Hey guys, you know i'm no techno geek.
Have read a thread on here about free calls using a skype thing - have no idea what this is? I just saw the free telephone calls bit and got excited.
Can someone explain to me what this is, in lay person speak. I couldn't understand the thread that Neil posted.

Does it fit in your computer, do you need special package, do you have to plug something into somewhere else????

Skype for dummies - that's what i need.
AS well as free calls when I get to NZ!!!!!

hannah

[Avalon]

If you have broadband, you can use Skype to "call" someone else on skype. All you have to do is both be online at the same time.

It works like a voice version of intant messengers really.

You can also use it to call someone on dial up - but trust me when I say this does not work so well.

Skype works best with unlimited download capacity.

Skype runs in the background of your computer - and "rings" when one of yoru contacts wants to talk to you.

And becasue yo pay for braodband as a "all in" charge - the call costs nothing!

Sweet eh?

[Moorf]

You can find out more here: http://www.skype.com/:nice1

[Avalon]

Forgot to say - you can download skype straight onto your computer - you dont have to pay for it.

[Nienke]

You need a microphone and speakers, or a headset, or a voip telephone to plug in to your computer.
You can also use the 'skype-out' option, which means you can call to a normal telephone for a very cheap rate. You have to buy 'credits' before you can use skype-out.

If you install a webcam, and the one you are calling to with skype also has a webcam, you can look each other in the eyes while speaking!

[Avalon]

If you install a webcam, and the one you are calling to with skype also has a webcam, you can look each other in the eyes while speaking!
:laugh The last time I had a skype call, someone rang from the UK. It was 8.30 Sunday morning, i hadnt got dressed and hadnt even got my coffee (Cos I was making coffee then going back to bed). Conveniently - my Webcam wasnt working!

[jubjub]

You can also use MSN messenger and Yahoo Messenger to accomplish the same thing if the person you want to contact is on a pc with broadband, but you need a webcam, and you can choose either voice or video conversation. Its cool... although my mum first thing in the morning without her hair brushed is a bit of a fright :laugh :p.

I also believe google have also bought one out too, but not used that at all.

[Diny]

I use 'Skype out' every day. I call family direct to their land lines. It costs a fraction of a fraction of a euro cent per minute. 10 euros credit seems to last forever. It's very good !!

Diny

[StevieD]

Yes, very cheap option for phone calls, but there are plenty around, just have to decide which one. Tesco are doing the same thing, (no good if you in NZ I know!!!) free calls to other customers. But MSN/Yahoo is the same thing... just voice over the internet. I believe Windows Live messenger is doing the same thing with the phone calls now, if you can get it to work on your pc that is! :laugh

[jodieinchch]

AOL messenger also has the webcam capability. Skype is a fantastic invention though.